Historical Timeline

Our organization has a rich history: the founding of two choruses and half a dozen vocal ensembles, bringing a voice to the AIDS epidemic, touring nationally and internationally, singing for marriage equality, recording sixteen CDs, debuting and commissioning dozens of original works, welcoming countless guest artists, and opening the hearts and minds of the communities in which we live, work, and visit.

October 2011SWC with guest artist, country music sensation, Chely Wright

June 2011The Pride Foundation establishes a choral conducting scholarship, funded by Chorus members and donors, in Dennis’ name to honor his 30th anniversary as SMC conductor

September and October 2012SMC and SWC tour Voices United for Marriage, a free concert, to five cities in Washington, in support of referendum 74 to legalize same sex marriage in the state. The first two same-sex marriages were performed on stage at Benaroya Hall.

April 2013SMC with guest artist, Emmy-winner, Leslie Jordan

February 2014SWC performs their original musical, We Can Do It, commissioned from Associate Artistic Director, Eric Lane Barnes

June 2015SWC and SMC perform at the federal courthouse in Seattle, celebrating the Supreme Court’s ruling that legalized marriage equality nationwide

February 2016SWC releases its second CD, How Sweet the Sound

April 2016Captain Smartypants and Sensible Shoes perform with Broadway star Patti LuPone at the Edmonds Center for the Arts

June 2016SMC and SWC sing at a candle light vigil memorializing the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando

July 2016SWC performs We Can Do It at the GALA Festival in Denver, streamed live online internationally

August 2016Dennis Coleman retires after 35 years with the Choruses. August 8, 2016 is declared “Dennis Coleman Day” by the Seattle City Council and Mayor Ed Murray

September 2016Paul Caldwell begins his tenure as Artistic Director

April 2017Singers from the Washington Middle School Chorus perform at McCaw Hall with SMC and SWC, the culmination of the company's first educational engagement program

May 2017SMC makes it debut with Seattle Symphony in Broadway Rocks!

June 2018SWC and SMC perform the National Anthem at Safeco Field for the Mariners' Pride Night.